Now Is Time to Get Valentine’s Day Flowers at Best Price

Americans are expected to spend an estimated $3.3 billion — yes, “billion” with a “B” — on flowers and plants for Valentine’s Day this year.

That’s a 14 percent increase from $2.9 billion last year, according to Tom Prince, president of Prince & Prince Inc.

Prince & Prince is a market research firm that focuses on the floral industry, and it has been tracking U.S. consumers’ floral purchasing behavior for the past two decades. It ranks Valentine’s Day as the second-biggest “floral holiday” after Mother’s Day.

While Valentine’s Day is still about three weeks away, the best time to buy flowers at the best price is now, CBS MoneyWatch reports:

Florists are already gearing up — and the sooner you order, the increased likelihood that you’ll spend less (and be assured your order will arrive when you want it to).

It’s just like buying a snow shovel just before a snowstorm. You’ll get a better deal if you buy well before the flakes start to fly.

A brief Internet search for Valentine’s Day flower deals confirms this, as major florists have already announced holiday discounts, including price breaks specifically for early bird shoppers. For example:

• FTD is currently offering savings of up to $20 during its “Early Valentine’s Day sale”
• 1-800-Flowers is currently offering 25 percent off select Valentine’s Day items that are ordered early

Also check out:

• 1-800-Flowers’ “Deal of the Week” page
• 1-800-Flowers’ “Sale” page
• FTD’s “Deal of the Week” page
• ProFlowers’ “Flower Deals” page
• ProPlants’ “Discounts” page
• Teleflora’s “Promotions & Coupons” page

To further increase your savings:

• Purchase via a cash-back portal like Ebates if you order online. Today, Ebates is offering cash back of 20 percent at ProFlowers, at ProPlants and at FTD; 10 percent at 1-800-Flowers; and 5 percent at Teleflora, for example. To learn more about cash-back sites, check out “Rebate Sites That Pay You for Shopping Online.”
• Check daily deals websites like Groupon for discounts that beat those offered by retailers themselves. A search on Groupon.com for “flowers” yields an FTD offer for a dozen roses for $15 instead of $30, plus several offers from local florists in my area.
• Skip the vase and delivery costs. Instead, pick out and arrange flowers yourself. For help, check out “14 Tips That Will Make You a Master at Arranging Your Own Flowers.”

What’s your favorite way to save on Valentine’s Day flowers? We’d love to hear — let us know below or on Facebook.